Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Metro seeks individuals who use screen reader technology on their cell
phones to test Metro’s new mobile Trip Planner app

Metro launched a Puget Sound Trip Planner app—available for Apple and Android mobile devices—in January. It allows riders to plan
a trip that covers many transportation choices, including buses, rail, ferries,
streetcars, and water taxis. It merges popular features available on existing
trip planners and offers real-time predictions for bus arrivals.

Since launching the app, the developer has worked to improve its accessibility
with screen reader technology. We need your help to test these improvements!

Testers will need to have a mobile device that fits the minimum requirements
for the iPhone or Android app they plan on testing. Plus they need to have a
high proficiency in the use of screen reader software for their device. To
participate, please contact Damon Berbert at damon.berbert@kingcounty.gov. In
your email, you’ll need to specify what phone you have, as well as the version
of the operating system and the name of the screen reader software you
currently use on your phone.

After receiving this information, we’ll get back to you about whether you
qualify to participate and the details to help test the app. We expect the
testing process to last no longer than a week. Testers will be given a list of
tasks to complete using the app, then provide feedback on the experience.

Thanks in advance for your help to make sure our technologies work for all our
users!

About WATAP

The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program points the way to Assistive Technology solutions. WATAP is a federally funded program that works with partners around the state to offer free and low-cost, inclusive services to Washington residents of all ages with any disability. WATAP is part of the Center for Technology and Disabilities Studies at the University of Washington.